UK Updates Approved English Tests List for Visa and Citizenship Applications

The UK Home Office has updated its list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for visa and citizenship applications.

A SELT is a required element for many visa categories and UK citizenship applications. This recent revision introduces new test formats and provides clarity on the requirements for applicants globally.

Key Updates to the SELT System

The UK Home Office has announced changes to its SELT offerings, aimed at streamlining the process and improving accessibility for applicants worldwide.

Changes to the Existing SELT Test

The previous LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test will be replaced by two new versions:

• LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT
• LANGUAGECERT General SELT

For those who have already taken the old version of the ESOL SELT, the results will remain valid for two years from the date of issuance. Additionally, any test vouchers purchased for the old test can still be used within 12 months.

This change ensures that applicants who have completed the previous version of the test are not at a disadvantage.

Test Requirements

Depending on the type of visa, applicants will need to complete either a full 4-skills test (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) or a test focused only on speaking and listening.

The following visa categories require the full 4-skills test:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Student Visa
• Start-up / Innovator Founder Visa
• Scale-up Worker Visa
• High-Potential Individual Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• Temporary Work (International Agreement route)

For those applying for UK Citizenship, Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), Partner/Parent Visa, International Sportsperson Visa, or Representative of an Overseas Business, a speaking and listening only test is sufficient.

Approved SELT Providers

The UK Home Office continues to accept SELTs from several trusted providers. Applicants are encouraged to take their test at an approved centre listed by the UK Home Office and ensure their test is taken within two years of applying.

The approved providers are:

• Pearson
• Trinity College London
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI)
• LANGUAGECERT

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Test Locations and Booking Process

In the UK, applicants can take tests at the following providers:

• Pearson
• Trinity College London
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LANGUAGECERT

For applicants outside the UK, the following providers offer tests:

• Pearson
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• PSI Services (UKVI)
• LANGUAGECERT

Booking a test is simple through the providers’ websites, with test slots generally available within 28 days, depending on location. It’s essential to ensure that your booking details match your identity documents exactly.

Accepted ID Documents

When booking and taking the SELT test, the following documents are accepted:

• Passport (most commonly used)
• UK BRP or BRC (for residents in the UK)
• EEA National ID (if applicable)
• Government-issued photo ID (for tests taken outside the UK)

Please note that emergency or photocopied documents are not accepted.

Once the test is completed, applicants will receive a unique SELT reference number that links their score to their visa or citizenship application.